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Webinar InformationChronic illness systemically affects individuals and families, in that the illness impacts the whole system, rather than just the individual with the diagnosis. Health problems can create or exacerbate conflict within a family or support system (Ruddy, Borresen, & Gunn, 2008). This is also the case within families with a family member with an endocrine disorder.

Historically, research on medical illness focused mainly on the identified medical patient, but recent literature shows an ever-growing interest in understanding the physical and mental toll those managing and caring for close relatives with a serious illness or disability (Feigin, Barnetz, & Davidson-Arad, 2008). Family systems theories have influenced this turn, as it becomes clear that focusing on a problem with one family member acknowledges only one part of the affected system.

In this presentation Dr. Banker will talk about what is meant by the "family system," what is meant by "collaborative' and "integrated" care, Dr. Banker will identify ways pituitary disorders impact the family system, She will discuss ways family members can positively impact healing and learn what can be the role of a "family therapist" in helping families affected by a pituitary tumor or other endocrine disorder.

Dr. Banker will also talk about her most recent research connecting the early childhood trauma and pituitary disorders.

Learning Objectives▪ Learn about the primary effects of chronic and/or serious illness on the family▪ Learn what is meant by the "family system"▪ Learn what is meant by "collaborative' and "integrated" care▪ Identify ways pituitary disorders impact the family system▪ Learn ways family members can positively impact healing▪ Learn what can be the role of a "family therapist" in helping families affected by a pituitary tumor or other endocrine disorder

Presenter BioJamie Banker is the Director of Counseling Psychology Masters program and Assistant Professor of Psychology at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks California. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has a special interest in integrated behavioral healthcare. She completed a clinical master's degree at University of San Diego and completed her doctoral degree at Virginia Tech. Dr. Banker was a doctoral intern at Dartmouth College Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Banker has worked in three integrated primary care practices as a therapist and a lecturer. She has published scholarly articles and a few book chapter on integrated healthcare. Now her focus is on training Marriage and Family Therapy students to work in integrated behavioral healthcare sites. She is an AAMFT approved clinical supervisor. Dr. Banker's research agenda centers on women's and family's health. It encompasses topics that are both underserved and burgeoning in the fields of psychology, marriage and family therapy, behavioral medicine, and public health. Dr. Banker's primary research interests are collaboration between family therapists and medical professionals, family health and training integrated care professionals. These interests all fall under the larger umbrella of improving individuals' overall healthcare. Her research agenda is focused on decreasing the gap between medical and mental health assessment and treatment. Dr. Banker's current research is on understanding postpartum depression and disorders of the endocrine system from a biopsychosocial model.